Not all heroes wear capes - and a Kingston man has taken up the unenviable job of litter picking in Richmond parks.
Nicholas Booth, 57, along with sidekick and pet dog Molly, decided he would start sponsored litter picks for charities that help alleviate loneliness in older people.
He is a keen cycler, but decided it would be unfair for people to sponsor him for doing something he loves when there were "more important" tasks to do.
“People think I’m a bit of a lunatic going around picking up other people’s rubbish," he said.
"I just got fed up of all these people running in the parks that chuck plastic bottles and energy bar wrappers everywhere."
It's not just runners - it seems families and dog walkers are among the culprits.
Mr Booth added: "I cleared up two horror sites in Richmond Park. One where some people had obviously had a sumptuous picnic.
"Then left all the wine bottles, food wrappers chicken drum stick bones, packaging and used napkins behind.
"People pick-up dog poo in a plastic bag, tie a knot in it - then just leave it there! Good grief, they’ve already done the hard bit."
Green spaces Mr Booth tackles include Richmond Park, Kneller Park in Twickenham, and the towpath between Hampton and Richmond Bridge.
The charities Mr Booth is fundraising for are South London Cares and North London Cares.
You can donate to his fundraising page here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=NickBooth4&pageUrl=2
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel